Invisibility of Domestic Violence Among Persons With Disabilities in Human Service Professions

Domestic violence is recognized as a great social ill in American society, despite efforts by both state and federal governments to address these issues through criminal law and public resources. Victims of domestic violence often feel a lack of empowerment when confronting those who abuse them, and when they do they may face problems in regard to a lack of financial or emotional resources to begin recovery from the abuse. Persons with disabilities who are victims of abuse may often experience even greater negative effects as a result of the functional aspects of their disability, dependence on caretakers, or lack of knowledge or resources of law enforcement or social service agencies to meet their special needs when abuse is reported. This phenomenon is examined through a review of relevant literature, consideration of state and federal legislation intended to address domestic violence and its consequences, and recommendations for future action are discussed.